Irish set to announce restart date

Plans for a resumption of racing in Ireland are to be announced today.

The date for the restart is expected to be Saturday 14 April .

If confirmed, it will mean the Irish Flat season starting three weeks later than originally scheduled.

Any resumption, hinges on Ireland remaining clear of foot-and-mouth disease.

The prospect of Irish horses attending next month's Aintree Grand National meeting, however, still appear slim. But trainer Mouse Morris, who has Promaleee and Puget Blue entered for the famous marathon is "hopeful' that restrictions may have been eased before next month's fixture

He said: "I am prepared to leave them in quarantine for three to six months after the race."